Hardened Fiber Optic Housing and Cable Assembly

ABSTRACT

A female fiber optic connector includes an outer housing, a single internal male fiber optic connector, and a fiber optic adapter. The outer housing has a first end, which receives a fiber optic cable, positioned opposite from a second end, which defines a connector port for receiving an external male connector. The single internal male fiber optic connector is positioned within the outer housing and includes a ferrule in which a fiber is terminated. The fiber optic adapter is positioned within the outer housing and includes an alignment sleeve, a first end, which receives the single internal male fiber optic connector with the ferrule of the single internal male fiber optic connector positioned within the alignment sleeve, and an opposite second end facing toward the connector port and being configured so that a ferrule of the external male connector fits within the alignment sleeve when inserted in the connector port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/764,490, filed Jun. 18, 2007, which application is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic data transmission, andmore particularly to fiber optic cable connection systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic cables are widely used to transmit light signals for highspeed data transmission. A fiber optic cable typically includes: (1) anoptical fiber or optical fibers; (2) a buffer or buffers that surroundsthe fiber or fibers; (3) a strength layer that surrounds the buffer orbuffers; and (4) an outer jacket. Optical fibers function to carryoptical signals. A typical optical fiber includes an inner coresurrounded by a cladding that is covered by a coating. Buffers (e.g.,loose or tight buffer tubes) typically function to surround and protectcoated optical fibers. Strength layers add mechanical strength to fiberoptic cables to protect the internal optical fibers against stressesapplied to the cables during installation and thereafter. Examplestrength layers include aramid yarn, steel and epoxy reinforced glassroving. Outer jackets provide protection against damage caused bycrushing, abrasions, and other physical damage. Outer jackets alsoprovide protection against chemical damage (e.g., ozone, alkali, acids).

Fiber optic cable connection systems are used to facilitate connectingand disconnecting fiber optic cables in the field without requiring asplice. A typical fiber optic cable connection system forinterconnecting two fiber optic cables includes fiber optic connectorsmounted at the ends of the fiber optic cables, and an adapter formechanically and optically coupling the fiber optic connectors together.Fiber optic connectors generally include ferrules that support the endsof the optical fibers of the fiber optic cables. The end faces of theferrules are typically polished and are often angled. The adapterincludes co-axially aligned ports (i.e., receptacles) for receiving thefiber optic connectors desired to be interconnected. The adapterincludes an internal sleeve that receives and aligns the ferrules of thefiber optic connectors when the connectors are inserted within the portsof the adapter. With the ferrules and their associated fibers alignedwithin the sleeve of the adapter, a fiber optic signal can pass from onefiber to the next. The adapter also typically has a mechanical fasteningarrangement (e.g., a snap-fit arrangement) for mechanically retainingthe fiber optic connectors within the adapter. One example of anexisting fiber optic connection system is described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,579,014, 6,648,520, and 6,899,467.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ruggedized femalefiber optic connector adapted to be mounted at the end of a fiber opticcable.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the forgoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example female fiber optic connectorhaving features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the female fiber optic connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, detailed view of a portion of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 shows the female fiber optic connector of FIG. 1 aligned with acorresponding male fiber optic connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a female fiber optic connector 20 having features that areexamples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure. The female fiber optic connector 20 includes anouter housing 22 having a first end 24 positioned opposite from a secondend 26. The outer housing 22 includes a main body 23, an end piece 32that mounts to the main body 23 at the second end 26 of the outerhousing 22, and a side cover 27. The side cover 27 mounts laterally tothe main body 23 and forms a majority of one side of the outer housing22. The first end 24 of the outer housing 22 is adapted to receive afiber optic cable 28. A flexible boot 30 can be mounted over theinterface between the fiber optic cable 28 and the first end 24 of theouter housing 22. The second end 26 of the outer housing 22 is adaptedto receive an external male fiber optic connector. For example, the endpiece 32 at the second end 26 of the outer housing 22 defines a port 34sized to receive an external male fiber optic connector 36 (see FIG. 5).When the female fiber optic connector 20 is in transit or not in use,the port 34 can receive a plug 38 that prevents dust, water or othercontaminants from entering the interior the outer housing 22. The femalefiber optic connector 20 also includes a fiber optic adapter 40 retainedwithin the outer housing 22 by the end piece 32. The female fiber opticconnector 20 further includes a single internal male fiber opticconnector 42 positioned within the outer housing 22. As shown at FIG. 3,the internal male fiber optic connector 42 includes a ferrule 43positioned within a first end 44 of the fiber optic adapter 40. When theexternal male fiber optic connector 36 is inserted into the port 34, aferrule 48 of the external male fiber optic connector 36 is receivedwithin a second end 46 of the fiber optic adapter 40 such that anoptical connection is provided between the external male fiber opticconnector 36 and the internal male fiber optic connector 42.

In the depicted embodiment, the female fiber optic connector 20 and theexternal male fiber optic connector 36 are hardened or ruggedized. Byhardened or ruggedized, it is meant that the female fiber opticconnector 20 and the external male fiber optic connector 36 are adaptedfor outside environmental use. For example, the female fiber opticconnector 20 and the external male fiber optic connector 36 can includeenvironmental seals for preventing moisture/water intrusion. Also, it ispreferred for the external male fiber optic connector 36 to be able towithstand a 100 pound axial pull-out force when coupled to the femalefiber optic connector 20. The internal male fiber optic connector 42 ispreferably non-ruggedized. In one embodiment, the internal male fiberoptic connector 42 can be a conventional fiber optic connector such as acapitalized subscription channel (“SC”) connector. One example of an SCconnector is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, thatis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The fiber optic cable 28 can include at least one optical fiber capableof carrying optical signals. The optical fiber includes a coresurrounded by cladding. The core is the light-conducting central portionof the optical fiber. The cladding surrounds the core and is composed ofa material having a lower index of refraction than the material of thecore. Light is internally reflected within the core to transmit theoptical signal along the core. The optical fiber can be protected withina buffer tube. The fiber optic cable can also include strength memberswithin the fiber optic cable to increase the tensile strength of thefiber optic cable. Example strength members include aramid yarn, metalsuch as steel and epoxy reinforced glass roving. The optical fiber,strength members, buffer tube and other cable components can besurrounded by an outer jacket or sheath that provides a protectivecovering for the cable components. As shown at FIG. 1, the fiber opticcable 28 includes a central buffer tube 50 containing an optical fiber52. Strength members 54 are positioned on opposite sides of the centralbuffer tube 50. The strength members 54 and the central buffer tube 50are positioned within an outer jacket 56 of the fiber optic cable 28.

Referring to FIG. 3, the outer housing 22 of the female fiber opticconnector 20 defines ports 60, 34 at its first and second ends 24, 26,respectively. A through-passage 58 extends through the outer housing 22from the port 60 to the port 34. As previously described, the port 34 isadapted to receive the external male fiber optic connector 36. The port60 is adapted for allowing the fiber optic cable 28 to be inserted intothe through-passage 58. The through-passage 58 includes an enlargedinterior compartment 62 in which the internal male fiber optic connector42 is located. The through-passage 58 also includes a cylindricalcentral passage portion 64 that extends from the port 60 to the interiorcompartment 62. The through-passage 58 further includes cylindricallateral passage portions 66 positioned on opposite sides of the centralpassage portion 64. The central passage portion 64 is sized to receivethe central buffer tube 50 of the fiber optic cable 28. The lateralpassage portions 66 are positioned and sized to receive the strengthmembers 54 of the fiber optic cable 28. The port 60 is sized to receivethe outer jacket 56 of the fiber optic cable 28.

To secure the fiber optic cable 28 to the female fiber optic connector20, an end portion of the outer jacket 56 is first stripped from thefiber optic cable 28 as shown at FIG. 1. The fiber optic cable 28 isthen passed through the boot 30 and a crimp sleeve 68. The end of theoptical fiber 52 is then terminated in the ferrule 43 of the internalmale fiber optic connector 42. The fiber optic cable 28 is thenpositioned with the end of the jacket 56 located within the port 60, thecentral buffer tube 50 located within the central passage portion 64,and the strength members 54 located within the lateral passage portions66. As so positioned, the end of the outer jacket 56 preferably abutsagainst a shoulder 70 of the outer housing 22. A securingsubstance/material 76 (e.g., an adhesive such as epoxy or other adheringmaterial) can be applied within the central passage portion 64 and thelateral passage portions 66 to secure the central buffer tube 50 and thestrength members 54 within their respective passage portions 64, 66.Slots 72, knurling or other structures can be provided along the centralpassage portion 64 to enhance an adhesion within the outer housing 22.

After the securing material 76 has been applied and the end of the fiberoptic cable 28 has been positioned within the outer housing 22, the sidecover 27 of the outer housing 22 can be mounted to the main body 23 andaffixed in place with a securing material such as adhesive. Bleed holes74 can be provided through the outer housing 22 to allow excess adhesiveto exit the interior of the outer housing 22 when the side cover 27 ispressed in place. After the side cover 27 has been mounted on the mainbody 23 of the outer housing 22, the crimp sleeve 68 can be positionedover a rear region of the outer housing 22 and radially compressed intoplace to provide for the mechanical retention of the side cover 27 tothe main body 23. Finally, the boot 30 can be mounted over the first end24 of the outer housing 22. In certain embodiments, a shrink tube orshrink wrap tape can be placed around the outer jacket 56 of the fiberoptic cable 28 and around the exterior of the outer housing 22 adjacentthe first end 24 prior to positioning the boot 30 over the first end 24of the main outer housing 22. Shrink wrap sleeves or tapes of this typecan provide an improved moisture barrier for preventing moisture fromentering the interior of the outer housing 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the fiber optic adapter 40 of the femalefiber optic connector 20 includes an adapter housing 80 having a firstpiece 82 that defines the first end 44 of the fiber optic adapter 40,and a second piece 84 that defines the second end 46 of the fiber opticadapter 40. The first and second pieces 82, 84 include flanges 86 a, 86b that are interconnected together to join the first piece 82 to thesecond piece 84. The first and second pieces 82, 84 cooperate to definea cylindrical barrel portion 88 having a central axis that aligns with acentral axis 89 of the outer housing 22. A conventional ferrulealignment sleeve 90 is mounted within the barrel portion 88. As is knownin the art, the ferrule alignment sleeve 90 is free to float slightlywithin the barrel portion 88.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fiber optic adapter 40 is mounted withinthe outer housing 22 with the first end 44 facing toward the interiorcompartment 62 and the second end 46 facing toward the port 34 of theend piece 32. The fiber optic adapter 40 is configured to float withinthe outer housing 22. For example, springs 92 are configured to bias thefiber optic adapter 40 toward the port 34 but allow the fiber opticadapter 40 to move axially along the central axis 89 during insertion ofthe external male fiber optic connector 36 into the port 34. As shown inFIG. 3, the springs 92 are captured between an inner shoulder 93 of themain body 23 and the flange 86 a of the first piece 82 of the adapterhousing 80.

Prior to mounting the side cover 27 on the main body 23 of the outerhousing 22, the internal male fiber optic connector 42 is inserted intothe first end 44 of the fiber optic adapter 40. The first piece 82 ofthe adapter housing 80 includes resilient latching fingers 95 adaptedfor retaining the internal male fiber optic connector 42 within thefirst end 44 of the fiber optic adapter 40. With the internal male fiberoptic connector 42 inserted within the first end 44, the ferrule 43 ofthe internal male fiber optic connector 42 is inserted within one end ofthe ferrule alignment sleeve 90. When the external male fiber opticconnector 36 is inserted into the port 34, the ferrule 48 of theexternal male fiber optic connector 36 fits within the other end of theferrule alignment sleeve 90. In this manner, the ferrule alignmentsleeve 90 aligns the ferrules 43, 48 such that corresponding fiberswithin the ferrules 43, 48 are coaxially aligned along the central axis89. In this manner, fiber optic signals can effectively be conveyed fromone fiber optic connector to the other.

The end piece 32 of the outer housing 22 fits within an end portion ofthe main body 23 and forms the second end 26 of the outer housing 22. Inthe depicted embodiment, the end piece 32 includes resilient latches 102having tabs 104 that snap-fit within corresponding openings 106 definedby the main body 23. In this manner, when the end piece 32 is insertedinto the end portion of the main body 23, the flexible latches flexinwardly until the tabs 104 reach the openings 106 defined by the mainbody 23. When the tabs 104 reach the openings 106, the latches 102 flexoutwardly causing the tabs 104 to snap within the corresponding openings106 thereby securing the end piece 32 within the main body 23.

Referring to FIG. 3, the end piece 32 of the outer housing 22 includes acircumferential groove 110 in which a sealing member 33 (e.g., anelastomeric O-ring or other sealing member) is mounted. When the endpiece 32 is inserted within the main body 23, the sealing member 33engages a corresponding annular sealing surface 112 defined within themain body 23 to provide an environmental seal located circumferentiallybetween the end piece 32 and the inside of the main body 23. The endpiece 32 also includes an end surface 114 that engages the flange 86 bof the second piece 84 of the adapter housing 80 to retain the adapterhousing 80 within the outer housing 22. The end piece 32 furtherincludes internal threads 116 positioned within the port 34. Theinternal threads 116 are adapted to mate with corresponding externalthreads 121 provided on a retention nut 118 of the external male fiberoptic connector 36.

Referring to FIG. 5, the external male fiber optic connector 36 includesa main body 120 having a first end 122 positioned opposite from a secondend 124. A circumferential groove 126 is defined around the main body120. A sealing member 128 (e.g., a resilient O-ring) is mounted withinthe circumferential groove 126. The retention nut 118 is rotatablymounted on the main body 120 of the external male fiber optic connector36 at a location between the sealing member 128 and the second end 124.The retention nut 118 can be manually turned relative to the main body120 about a central longitudinal axis 119 of the main body 120. Thesecond end 124 of the main body 120 is adapted to receive and secure afiber optic cable 130. The ferrule 48 of the external male fiber opticconnector 36 is mounted at the first end 122 of the main body 120.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the plug 38 includes a plug body 140 havinga first end 142 positioned opposite from a second end 144. The first end142 is adapted for insertion into the port 34 of the female fiber opticconnector 20. The second end 144 is adapted to be manually grasped. Acircumferential groove 146 is defined around the exterior of the plugbody 140. A sealing member 148 (e.g., a resilient O-ring) is mountedwithin the circumferential groove 146. The plug body 140 also includesan annular flange 150 that is spaced from the circumferential groove146. External threads 152 are defined about the exterior of the plugbody 140 between the circumferential groove 146 and the annular flange150. In use, the first end 142 of the plug body 140 is inserted into theport 34 until the external threads 152 of the plug engage the internalthreads 116 of the port 34. The plug 38 is then manually turned tothread the external threads 152 of the plug 38 into the internal threads116 of the port 34. When the plug 38 is fully threaded into the port 34,the sealing member 148 of the plug 38 engages an annular sealing surface117 of the end piece 32.

To make a fiber optic connection between the external male fiber opticconnector 36 and the female fiber optic connector 20, the plug 38 isremoved from the port 34 by unthreading the plug and axially pulling theplug 38 from the port 34. Thereafter, the first end 122 of the externalmale fiber optic connector 36 is inserted into the port 34 until theferrule 48 is inserted into the ferrule alignment sleeve 90. Theretaining nut 118 of the external male fiber optic connector 36 is thenthreaded into the internal threads 116 of the port 34 to provide secureretention of the external male fiber optic connector 36 within the port34. With the ferrule 48 of the external male fiber optic connector 36inserted within the ferrule alignment sleeve 90, a fiber retained withinthe ferrule 48 is placed in coaxial alignment with the optical fiber 52secured within the ferrule 43 of the internal male fiber optic connector42. This alignment between the optical fibers allows an opticaltransmission to pass from fiber to fiber within the fiber optic adapter40. Additionally, the sealing member 128 forms a circumferentialenvironmental seal through engagement with the annular sealing surface117 of the end piece 32.

Referring to FIG. 3, the springs 92 can compress to allow the adapter 40to move rearwardly in an axial direction within the outer housing 22(e.g., during insertion of the connector 36 into the port 34 of theconnector 20). To accommodate the range of axial movement provided tothe adapter 40 by the spring arrangement, the bare fiber 52 housedwithin the compartment 62 bends generally in a sinusoidal pattern as theadapter 40 is forced rearwardly. The interior compartment 62 preferablyhas a length L and a cross-dimension W that are sufficiently large toallow the fiber 52 to bend without violating standard minimum bendradius requirements associated with optical fibers.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made in the devices of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

1. A fiber optic connector housing and cable assembly comprising: afiber optic cable; an outer housing defining a first central axis andincluding a first end positioned opposite from a second end, the firstend of the outer housing secured to the fiber optic cable and the secondend of the outer housing defining a connector port for receiving anexternal fiber optic connector, a through-passage extending through theouter housing from the first end of the outer housing to the connectorport, the through-passage including an enlarged interior compartment; asingle internal fiber optic connector positioned entirely within theenlarged interior compartment of the through-passage of the outerhousing, the single internal fiber optic connector including a firstferrule in which a fiber of the fiber optic cable is terminated; a fiberoptic adapter positioned within the outer housing, the fiber opticadapter defining a second central axis aligned with the first centralaxis of the outer housing, the fiber optic adapter including analignment sleeve, a first end and an opposite second end, the first endof the fiber optic adapter receiving the single internal fiber opticconnector with the first ferrule of the single internal fiber opticconnector positioned within the alignment sleeve, the second end of thefiber optic adapter facing toward the connector port and beingconfigured such that a second ferrule of the external fiber opticconnector fits within the alignment sleeve when the external fiber opticconnector is inserted in the connector port; and a flexible boot mountedover the first end of the outer housing and also mounted over aninterface between the fiber optic cable and the first end of the outerhousing; wherein the fiber optic adapter is configured to float withinthe through-passage of the outer housing, the fiber optic adapter beingbiased toward the connector port but able to move axially away from theconnector port along the first central axis of the outer housing; andwherein the fiber optic adapter can be forced away from the connectorport by the external fiber optic connector when the external fiber opticconnector is inserted into the connector port.
 2. The fiber opticconnector housing and cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the fiber opticcable is adhesively secured to the first end of the outer housing. 3.The fiber optic connector housing and cable assembly of claim 1, whereinthe outer housing includes an elongate main body, an end piece insertedinto an end portion of the main body to form the second end of the outerhousing, and a side cover that mounts laterally to the main body.
 4. Thefiber optic connector housing and cable assembly of claim 3, wherein theend piece defines the connector port, and wherein the end piece definesinternal threads within the connector port.
 5. The fiber optic connectorhousing and cable assembly of claim 3, further comprising springscaptured between the fiber optic adapter and a shoulder within the mainbody, wherein the fiber optic adapter is retained within the main bodyby the end piece.
 6. The fiber optic connector housing and cableassembly of claim 3, wherein the side cover of the outer housing isadhesively affixed to the main body of the outer housing.
 7. The fiberoptic connector housing and cable assembly of claim 3, wherein the sidecover of the outer housing is mechanically retained to the main body ofthe outer housing with a crimp sleeve.
 8. The fiber optic connectorhousing and cable assembly of claim 1, further comprising springs thatbias the fiber optic adapter toward the connector port.
 9. A fiber opticconnector housing comprising: an outer housing including a first endpositioned opposite from a second end, the second end of the outerhousing defining a connector port for receiving an external fiber opticconnector, a through-passage extending through the outer housing fromthe first end of the outer housing to the connector port, thethrough-passage including an enlarged interior compartment; a singleinternal fiber optic connector positioned entirely within the enlargedinterior compartment of the through-passage of the outer housing, thesingle internal fiber optic connector including a first ferruleterminating an optical fiber; a fiber optic adapter positioned andconfigured to float within the through-passage of the outer housing, thefiber optic adapter including an alignment sleeve, a first end and anopposite second end, the first end of the fiber optic adapter receivingand retaining the single internal fiber optic connector with the firstferrule of the single internal fiber optic connector positioned withinthe alignment sleeve, the second end of the fiber optic adapter facingtoward the connector port and being configured such that a secondferrule of the external fiber optic connector fits within the alignmentsleeve when the external fiber optic connector is inserted in theconnector port; and springs that bias the fiber optic adapter toward theconnector port; wherein the springs can compress when the fiber opticadapter is forced away from the connector port by the insertion of theexternal fiber optic connector into the connector port; wherein theenlarged interior compartment of the through-passage of the outerhousing is sufficiently large to allow the optical fiber to bend withinthe enlarged interior compartment without violating minimum bend radiusrequirements when the fiber optic adapter is forced away from theconnector port; wherein the fiber optic adapter defines a first centralaxis aligned with a second central axis defined by the outer housing,wherein the optical fiber terminated at the first ferrule of the singleinternal fiber optic connector is coaxially aligned with the secondcentral axis of the outer housing, and wherein another fiber within thesecond ferrule of the external fiber optic connector is also coaxiallyaligned with the second central axis of the outer housing when theexternal fiber optic connector is inserted into the connector port; andwherein the fiber optic adapter moves axially away from the connectorport along the second central axis of the outer housing when the fiberoptic adapter is forced away from the connector port by the insertion ofthe external fiber optic connector into the connector port.
 10. Thefiber optic connector housing of claim 9, wherein the single internalfiber optic connector is an SC connector.
 11. A fiber optic connectorhousing and cable assembly comprising: a fiber optic cable; an outerhousing including a proximal end positioned opposite from a distal end,the proximal end of the outer housing secured to the fiber optic cableand the distal end of the outer housing defining a connector port forreceiving an external fiber optic connector, the outer housing includinga through-passage defining an axis and extending through the outerhousing from the proximal end of the outer housing to the connectorport, and the outer housing including at least one spring seatpositioned within the through-passage of the outer housing; at least onespring extending between a first end and a second end, the springpositioned within the through-passage of the outer housing, the firstend of the spring seated against the spring seat of the outer housing;and a housing positioned within the through-passage of the outerhousing, the housing adapted to float generally along the axis of thethrough-passage, the housing adapted to receive a ferrule of theexternal fiber optic connector, and the spring adapted to bias thehousing distally toward the connector port; wherein the housing can beforced proximally away from the connector port by the external fiberoptic connector when the external fiber optic connector is inserted intothe connector port.
 12. The fiber optic connector housing and cableassembly of claim 11, wherein the housing includes an alignment sleeveadapted to receive the ferrule of the external fiber optic connector.13. The fiber optic connector housing and cable assembly of claim 12,further comprising an internal fiber optic connector positioned entirelywithin the through-passage of the outer housing, wherein the ferrule ofthe external fiber optic connector is a first ferrule, the internalfiber optic connector includes a second ferrule in which a fiber of thefiber optic cable is terminated, and the second ferrule is positionedwithin the alignment sleeve of the housing.
 14. The fiber opticconnector housing and cable assembly of claim 13, wherein the internalfiber optic connector is a single fiber internal fiber optic connector.15. The fiber optic connector housing and cable assembly of claim 11,wherein the at least one spring seat of the outer housing includes apair of the spring seats positioned opposite the axis of thethrough-passage, the at least one spring includes a pair of the springs,and the pair of the springs are captured between the pair of the springseats and the housing.
 16. The fiber optic connector housing and cableassembly of claim 15, wherein the outer housing includes a main body andan end piece, the end piece forms the distal end of the outer housing,and the pair of the spring seats are distally facing inner shoulders ofthe main body.
 17. The fiber optic connector housing and cable assemblyof claim 16, wherein the housing includes a pair of flanges that capturethe pair of the springs.
 18. The fiber optic connector housing and cableassembly of claim 13, wherein the outer housing includes a main body, aside cover, and an end piece and wherein the side cover provides accessfor inserting the second ferrule of the internal fiber optic connectorinto the alignment sleeve of the housing.
 19. The fiber optic connectorhousing and cable assembly of claim 18, further comprising a sleevepositioned over the main body and the side cover to retain the sidecover to the main body.
 20. The fiber optic connector housing and cableassembly of claim 11, wherein insertion of the external fiber opticconnector into the connector port of the outer housing moves the housingin a proximal direction and thereby compresses the spring.